ON paper, there’s no reason why Britain can’t reclaim their glorious gold from 2012. The world-class trio of Carl Hester, Charlotte Dujardin, and Lottie Fry have three young horses who are more than capable of living up to the weighty expectations upon them. But rookie horses across the board, coupled with a fresh format, challenging climate and the disruption Covid has brought to preparations, means this game is set to be the most unpredictable yet.
There have already been surprises: Gio wasn’t the horse most expected to be selected for Charlotte Dujardin’s bid to retain her individual Olympic title. But “Pumpkin” is by no means second-rate. Popular with judges and fans alike, his exceptional talent combined with his adorable attitude – and the fact he has arguably the world’s best rider on his back – means that he could lead Britain into an extremely competitive position.
He is a little horse who rises to a big occasion and could challenge for an individual medal, though with just one international special and freestyle to his name so far, he will be in thoroughly uncharted territory.
Carl Hester’s En Vogue, though, could prove to be Britain’s talisman. This tall, elegant gelding, who has proved such a good match for Carl since owner Charlotte handed over the ride in 2020, is one of the most talented horses in the world. So far he has shown us tantalizing glimpses of the medal-winner he could be, and if anyone can nurture a horse to bring out his best at precisely the right moment, it’s Carl.
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة July 15, 2021 من Horse & Hound.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 8500 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة July 15, 2021 من Horse & Hound.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 8500 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
The joys of spring
With the hunters roughed off, Tessa Waugh is enjoying some time pottering around among the spring blooms, defuzzing the ponies and catching up on the postman's gossip
'That golden thread, and a zest for life'
In the latest of his series about great huntsmen he knew personally, Alastair Jackson remembers Tim Langley, who spent 30 years at the Berkeley
Notable leaves us Speechless
All-weather winners switch to turf to claim the first two Classics of the season and a globe-trotting son of Frankel scoops his biggest win at the age of nine
Faultless Faurie
Emile Faurie and Bellevue's mistake-free performance secures them an emotional freestyle win while “family horse” Goldstrike continues to step up
Dean proves untouchable
A Windsor debutante brushes aside some fierce opposition and a \"quirky and feisty\" chestnut mare follows in her sister's footsteps
Fuchs claims back-to-back victories
The sensational Swiss rider is richly rewarded with a “special” double on his phenomenal grey, with Robert Whitaker best of the Brits
Super-Bert's royal return
Beloved natives are the order of the day and two coloureds triumph under saddle
Welsh stallion is the perfect Example
A stallion bred in Holland is the top inhand pony, while a Connemara shines once more at his favourite showground
Gambler is the real deal
A coloured pony breaks records, perseverance with a tricky show pony pays and a working hunter pony is a standout winner
Slip collector organiser
Fi Norbury on the childhood thrill of being mistaken for a competitor, perfect grooming and Badminton’s crowds